The Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe for Spicy Dinner Joy

Spicy aromas fill the kitchen when you craft this delectable black pepper chicken recipe that combines bold flavors and tender meat.

Succulent chicken pieces dance with robust pepper notes, creating a mouthwatering dish that promises excitement.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and savory depth.

The recipe brings together simple ingredients with extraordinary results.

Marinating techniques infuse incredible richness into every morsel.

Cooking becomes an adventure of taste and texture.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious spoonful of this irresistible meal.

FAQs

• Why does the recipe use cornstarch in marination?

Cornstarch helps tenderize the chicken and creates a protective coating that keeps the meat juicy during high-heat cooking. It prevents moisture loss and helps achieve a crispy exterior.

• What makes the chicken cook evenly?

Spreading the chicken in a single layer in the pan ensures each piece sears properly instead of steaming. This technique allows each piece to develop a golden color and cook consistently.

• How do I know when the sauce is ready?

The sauce is perfectly cooked when it becomes glossy and can coat the back of a spoon. This indicates the cornstarch has activated and thickened the sauce, creating a smooth, rich texture.

• Can I substitute Shaoxing wine?

If Shaoxing wine is unavailable, you can replace it with dry sherry or rice wine. These alternatives provide a similar depth of flavor and help tenderize the chicken during marination.

What Makes Black Pepper Chicken Stand Out

• Packed with bold black pepper and savory sauce, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
• Adaptable for different skill levels, this dish works wonderfully for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings with friends who appreciate bold, hearty flavors.
• Minimize cleanup with this simple skillet recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal, making cooking and washing up a breeze.

What’s in Black Pepper Chicken

• Chicken: A protein-packed base that serves as the primary component of this flavorful dish.
• Soy Sauce: A key seasoning that adds depth and umami to the chicken marinade.
• Shaoxing Wine: A traditional Chinese cooking wine that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Ginger, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that provide a robust and aromatic base for the dish.
• Onions, Bell Peppers: Vegetables that add texture, color, and a fresh crunch to the chicken.

• Cornstarch, Black Pepper, Salt: Essential for thickening the sauce, adding spice, and balancing the overall taste of the dish.

Instructions for Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Toss and Coat Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch.

Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.

Let the mixture rest for 15 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.

Step 2: Whisk Sauce Mixture

Grab a small bowl and blend sauce ingredients smoothly.

Whisk until cornstarch dissolves completely, preventing potential lumps.

Give a final quick stir right before cooking to maintain sauce consistency.

Step 3: Sear Chicken Pieces

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Spread chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring maximum surface contact.

Cook until edges turn golden brown and centers remain slightly pink.

Remove chicken and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 4: Awaken Aromatic Ingredients

• Ginger
• Garlic
• Onions
• Bell peppers

Stir continuously to prevent burning.

Vegetables should retain a slight crunch for textural contrast.

Step 5: Create Glossy Finish

Pour prepared sauce into skillet, stirring rapidly as it thickens.

When sauce becomes glossy and coats the back of a spoon, return chicken to pan.

Toss everything together, ensuring complete coating.

Remove from heat immediately and serve hot.

Smart Tips for Bold Pepper Flavor

• Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes to ensure juicy, flavorful results. Cornstarch works magic in keeping the meat soft and preventing dryness during cooking.
• Dissolve cornstarch completely before adding to the pan. Give the sauce a quick stir right before pouring to guarantee a smooth, clump-free consistency.
• Spread chicken in a single layer while cooking to get beautiful golden-brown edges. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which causes steaming instead of proper searing.
• Stir aromatics and vegetables quickly to maintain their texture. Aim for a slight crispness in bell peppers and onions by avoiding prolonged cooking.
• Watch the sauce carefully as it cooks, stirring constantly. Look for a glossy finish that can coat the back of a spoon, indicating perfect sauce consistency.

How to Store Black Pepper Chicken

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth.
• Pack the chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring the dish is completely cooled before freezing to maintain quality.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and maintain the chicken's tender texture.

What to Serve with Black Pepper Chicken

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Riesling cuts through the black pepper's heat while complementing the chicken's savory profile. Its slight sweetness balances the dish's spiciness and enhances the overall flavor complexity.
• Textural Side Companion: Jasmine rice provides a neutral, fluffy base that absorbs the rich black pepper sauce perfectly. Its delicate texture contrasts beautifully with the chicken's crispy exterior and tender meat.
• Temperature-Matching Beverage: Chilled Chinese beer like Tsingtao offers a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the dish's robust pepper notes. The light, smooth beer cleanses the palate between bites and reduces the mild spiciness.
• Vegetable Harmony Addition: Steamed bok choy with a light sesame oil drizzle creates a clean, green complement to the hearty chicken. Its mild bitterness and tender crunch provide a perfect nutritional and textural balance to the main dish.

Bold Variations on Pepper Chicken

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, cutting into similar-sized pieces and following the same marinating and cooking technique for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Friendly Version: Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or xanthan gum, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining sauce thickness and texture.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase black pepper quantity and add red chili flakes or diced jalapeños during the vegetable sautéing stage to create a more intense, heat-driven flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, ensure Shaoxing wine is gluten-free or replace with rice wine, and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive dietary needs.

Garlic Butter Baked Scallops Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter baked scallops promise a luxurious seafood experience that whispers coastal elegance. Golden-brown edges and rich butter sauce invite you to savor each delicate morsel with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) fresh scallops
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 400F (200C) and lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a fragrant garlic butter by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then infuse with minced garlic for approximately two minutes until aromatic.
3. Carefully blot scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden sear.
4. Arrange scallops in a single, uniform layer within the prepared baking dish to promote even cooking.
5. Generously drizzle the warm garlic butter over the scallops, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
6. Enhance flavor by sprinkling paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper across the scallops.
7. Add brightness by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the seasoned scallops and optionally scatter lemon zest for extra citrusy notes.
8. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until scallops turn golden brown and become translucent.
9. Remove from oven and immediately garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley to add color and a subtle herbaceous touch.
10. Serve hot, allowing guests to enjoy the succulent, butter-infused scallops directly from the baking dish.

Notes

• Always pat scallops completely dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of baking.
• Use fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best texture and flavor, avoiding frozen or previously thawed options when possible.
• Arrange scallops with space between each piece to allow even heat circulation and prevent overcrowding, which can make them soggy.
• Adjust baking time based on scallop size – smaller scallops need less time to prevent overcooking and becoming rubbery.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: 29 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg